National Briefing / New York

Armani gives to schools

Giorgio Armani is giving $1 million to nurture arts programs in New York City public schools.

The designer announced the gift as he opened the Armani/5th Avenue flagship store Tuesday evening. The donation will support arts offerings in schools with many disadvantaged students.

The new initiative is called the Armani Arts Institute. The designer sees it as "giving young kids a chance to dream."

Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg says arts education is "an essential component of a well-rounded curriculum" and that Armani's gift will help ensure all city students have a chance to experience it. The contribution is going to the Fund for Public Schools, a nonprofit organization that supports city schools. It has raised more than $240 million since 2003.